Medical device illuminator and charging system

ABSTRACT

A portable medical illuminator is configured for attachment to a medical device wherein the illuminator includes an illuminator housing and a light source disposed in relation to the housing. A portable rechargeable power supply is connected to the light source, and an inductive charging coil is disposed within the illuminator housing to enable contactless charging of the contained portable power supply.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 14/189,674, filed Feb.25, 2014, and entitled: Medical Device Illuminator and Charging System,filed pursuant to relevant portions of 35 U.S.C. § 120. The above-notedapplication is herein incorporated in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to the field of medical diagnosticdevices and more specifically to a portable illuminator used inconjunction with a medical diagnostic instrument, the illuminator havinga battery power source that can be inductively charged.

BACKGROUND

Various known medical devices, such as medical diagnostic instruments,can be equipped with dedicated or attachable illumination assembles toaid in the visualization of a target of interest. Examples of diagnosticinstruments having dedicated illumination supplies include thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,387, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein. According to this patent, an otoscopeis defined by a handle portion and an instrument head attached to anupper end of the handle portion. The handle portion has an interiorappropriately sized to retain a set of batteries in stacked relation aswell as a light source, such as an incandescent lamp, the latter beingdisposed in an upper portion of the handle portion. The output of thecontained lamp is coupled to the proximal end of a bundle of opticalfibers that extends as a circular ring at a distal end of an insertionportion of the instrument head. A speculum tip member is attached to theinsertion portion in overlaying, releasable fashion so as to enableviewing of the target (i.e., outer ear or tympanic membrane) through aneyepiece that is provided at the proximal end of the instrument head.Additional details relating to the above instrument are provided in theabove incorporated '387 patent. Later versions of these instruments haveincorporated rechargeable batteries. In at least one such version, thesebatteries can be recharged without having to remove the batteries fromthe handle portion using a suitable adapter.

Referring to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), an example of a medical instrumentassembly 200 that includes a releasably attachable illumination assemblyis described in which a portable, battery powered reusable illuminator230 is configured and sized for axial insertion within an enclosedreceiving cavity 217 of a disposable vaginal speculum 204. The enclosedreceiving cavity 217 is part of a downwardly extending handle portion216 having a cross section which is adapted and sized to receive anaxial portion of the illuminator 230. When properly positioned withinthe receiving cavity 217, the illuminator 230 is positioned such that acontained light source, such as a white LED, disposed at an upper end238 of the illuminator housing 234 is coupled optically with theproximal end of an integrated light pipe (not shown) extending from thereceiving cavity 217 and along an inner surface of a trough-shapedportion of a lower blade 214 of the vaginal speculum 204. Whenenergized, light emitted by the LED is internally reflected through thelight pipe and transmitted at a distal end and through the trough shapedportion of the lower blade 214 towards the target (i.e., cervix) of afemale patient. The target can be viewed by the caregiver through a rearopening or aperture 221, which is defined between an upper blade 212 andthe lower blade 214 of the speculum 204, the blades 212, 214 being madeadjustably movable relative to one another to permit dilation of thecervix of the patient using an articulation mechanism. This lattermechanism includes a slide member 220 having a yoke 228 disposed at anupper end of the slide member 220. A curved section 225 extending fromthe center of the yoke 228 includes a set of spaced engagement teeth 226that can be engaged by a lever portion 224, the latter extending fromthe proximal end of the upper blade 212 wherein the upper blade 212 ishingably connected to the lower blade 214 at respective sides of theyoke 228. The lever portion 224 and the yoke 228 are each configured toenable access to the interior of the speculum 204 through the rearopening 221 and in which the curved portion 225 extends upwardly andrearwardly through the lever portion 224 wherein the curved portion 225,and more specifically the engagement teeth 226, engage an interiorsurface of the lever portion 224 adjacent an extending bottom tab 227thereof. The slide member 220 is further adjustable using a lower tongue229 that engages features provided on the rear facing side of the handleportion 216, including a guide slot 223 having sets of external teeth222 disposed along the length of the slot 223 on opposing sides.

Still referring to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the illuminator 230 is enabledsuch that the contained LED is automatically energized upon axialinsertion into the receiving cavity 217 and more specifically due toengagement between an external contact switch 248 on one lateral side ofthe illuminator housing 234 with corresponding features (not shown) thatare provided within the walls of the receiving cavity 217 in combinationwith a spring loaded plunger 254 at the opposite lateral side of theilluminator housing 234. In similar fashion, axial removal of theilluminator 230 from the receiving cavity 217 of the speculum 204automatically deenergizes the contained light source due to the bias ofthe laterally disposed switch 248. When assembled by axial insertioninto the receiving cavity 217, the lower part of the illuminator housing234 extends outwardly from the speculum 204. The bottom surface of theilluminator 230 is further provided with a set of electrical chargingcontacts 244 to enable recharging of the contained batteries, which arededicated and not removable from the illuminator housing 234. Furtherdetails relating to the operation and design of the above assembly 200are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,435,175, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Each of the above described instruments/assemblies can include at leastone rechargeable battery as a power source used to energize thecontained light source. A set of electrical contacts are provided on thebottom end of either the instrument handle or the portable illuminatorto enable charging of the contained batteries using a charging station,requiring proper alignment as well as space allocation for the chargingcircuitry. Additionally, the inclusion of electrical contacts and otherengageable features on the illuminator housing can create a potentialsource of contamination in regard to patient fluids, as well as impactthe overall working life of the illuminator.

Due to the presence of the charging contacts and other features,cleaning of the illuminator of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) for reuse thereof isrestricted to wiping the housing with a cleaning solution. Since theilluminator is not fluidically sealed, the illuminator cannot beimmersed or be similarly handled.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a portable illuminatorconfigured for attachment to a medical device, the illuminatorcomprising a housing having a disposed light source. A portablerechargeable power supply is connected to the light source, as well asan inductive charging coil, which is disposed within the illuminatorhousing to enable contactless charging of the contained portable powersupply.

In one version and because there are no exposed contacts, the housing ofthe portable illuminator can be sealed to prevent the ingress ofcontaminants and thereby significantly improve the effective workinglife.

The illuminator can include at least one feature that enables releasableattachment to a medical device. According to one embodiment, the medicaldevice is a vaginal speculum that includes an upper blade and a lowerblade in spaced relation. In one version, the illuminator can bereleasably attached to an inner surface of a blade of the speculum,enabling direct illumination of a target of interest without the needfor a light pipe or similar light directing feature.

According to one embodiment, the light source can be automaticallyenergized based on a contained internal switch. For example, thecontained switch is at least one of a magnetic reed switch, in which aremovable sleeve can cause actuation of the switch. Alternatively, anoptical switch, a capacitive switch or other suitable internal switchcan be utilized. Alternatively, the light source can be automaticallyenergized based on a contained accelerometer that causes an internalswitch to respond to motion of the illuminator.

According to another aspect, there is provided a medical apparatuscomprising a medical device. A portable illuminator is releasablyattached to the medical device wherein the portable illuminatorcomprises an illuminator housing, a light source disposed in a distalend of the housing, a portable rechargeable power supply connected tothe light source and an inductive charging coil connected to the powersupply to permit recharging of the power supply.

The medical apparatus further includes a charging station wherein theportable illuminator can be released from the medical device andengaged, the charging station having a transmitting inductor coil thatcooperates with the inductor coil of the illuminator to permitcontactless (proximate) charging of the contained battery. In at leastone version, the charging station can include at least one feature, suchas a receiving slot, which is configured for releasably retaining theilluminator and aligning same with the contained inductor charging coil.

In at least one version, the medical device is a vaginal speculum havingan upper blade and a lower blade that cooperate to dilate the vagina ofa female patient in order to permit viewing of the cervix. According toat least one embodiment, the illuminator can be releasably attached tothe inner blade of the speculum.

The illuminator housing can be sealed to permit cleaning and prevent theingress of contaminants and can be further configured with an internalswitch, such as a magnetic switch, that enables energization of thecontained light source based on the presence or absence of a magnet. Inone version, a protective sleeve can cover a portion of the illuminator,including the internal switch, the sleeve having a magnet that actuatesthe internal switch and automatically deenergizes the battery.

Other internal switches, such as a capacitance or an optical switch, canbe provided in which proximity can trigger energization of the containedlight source. Other alternative features can be provided toautomatically energize the illuminator when attached to the upper bladeof the speculum. Still further and for unsealed versions of the hereindescribed illuminator, an external switch can also be alternativelyprovided.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method for enablinga medical examination, the method comprising: providing a medicaldevice, and providing a battery-powered illuminator having an inductivecharging coil within the illuminator, the inductive charging coilpermitting the battery of the contained illuminator to be rechargedusing a non-contact charging device.

In at least one version, the housing of the illuminator is sealed andincludes a contained switch to automatically enable or disableenergization of the contained light source. The non-contact chargingdevice can be a charging station having an inductive transmitting coilto cooperate with the charging coil of the illuminator.

In one version, the illuminator can include at least one feature thatenables the illuminator to be directly attached to the medical device,such as, for example, an inner surface of the upper blade of a vaginalspeculum. This attachment enables direct illumination of an intendedtarget area without need for an intermediate light pipe and simplifiesthe design/manufacture of the speculum.

One advantage provided is that the herein described illuminator can bemade in accordance with an extremely robust and compact design.

Another advantage is that sealing the illuminator housing significantlyincreases the effective working life of the illuminator, particularly inthe presence of patient fluids and other contaminants and in which theentire illuminator can be immersed in a liquid bath for purposes ofcleaning. Additionally and due to the sealing of internal components,the illuminator is more resistant to metallic corrosion, electricalpatient isolation and static discharges. Moreover and because theilluminator has no intricate pieces, the construction material can bechosen solely based on biocompatibility and chemical resistance tocleaning solutions.

Yet another advantage is that the illuminator is easy to operate and canbe charged in a relatively short time (e.g., 1 hour).

Still another advantage in the instance of vaginal specula, is that theilluminator is no longer installed within the receiving cavity of thehandle portion. As a result, the design of the speculum can bestructurally modified without impacting functionality. For example, thereceiving cavity and the light pipe of prior disposable specula are nolonger required features, which create significant savings in terms ofmanufacture and material of the speculum. The herein describedilluminator utilizes no moving parts, with the exception of the internalswitch, thereby improving its reliability. Additionally and because nomoving parts are required, the assembly can be potted (filled withplastic or epoxy), thereby improving its durability and strength.

These and other features and advantages will be readily apparent fromthe following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are rear perspective views of a medical device thatis configured to receive a releasably contained illumination assembly inaccordance with the known art;

FIG. 2 is a partial assembly view of a medical device having areleasably attachable portable illuminator which is made in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are partial assembly views taken in perspective of aportable illuminator made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are side and top views, respectively, of theilluminator of FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the illuminator of FIGS. 3(a)-4(b)as disposed within a half portion of an illuminator housing;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of an upper blade of the medicaldevice of FIG. 2, illustrating exemplary features for releasablyretaining the illuminator of FIGS. 2-5;

FIG. 7(a) is a partial perspective view, rotated 180 degrees, of theupper blade of the medical device of FIG. 6 having a portableilluminator that is attached thereto;

FIG. 7(b) is a partial rear end view of the medical device having theattached portable illuminator of FIG. 7(a);

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the medical device of FIGS. 6-7(b)having a portable illuminator attached thereto;

FIG. 9(a) is front perspective view of a charging station made inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment that is configured for receivinga portable illuminator;

FIG. 9(b) is the front perspective view of the charging station of FIG.9(a), showing a portable illuminator as installed in a chargingposition;

FIG. 10 is a functional schematic view of components retained within anexemplary portable illuminator;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary electrical schematic for a portable illuminator;and

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another exemplary illuminatorconfigured for wireless charging of a contained power source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to exemplary embodiments of a portableilluminator or illuminator assembly that is configured for releasableattachment to a medical diagnostic instrument or medical device. Morespecifically, each of the described embodiments describe attachment anduse with a vaginal speculum. It should be readily apparent to those ofsufficient skill, however, that the inventive concepts that aredescribed herein are not so restrictive, and therefore can be similarlyemployed with various other types of medical instruments or medicaldevices.

In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided in conjunction withthis description to depict all of the salient features. To that end, thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and therefore should not berelied upon for purposes of dimensions and/or sizing.

Referring to FIG. 2, a medical instrument assembly 300 is shown thatincludes a portable illuminator 400 that is configured for releasableattachment to a vaginal speculum 510 and more specifically to an innersurface of an upper blade 524 thereof. Similarly to that shown in FIGS.1(a) and 1(b), the vaginal speculum 510 is defined by the upper blade524 and a lower blade 528, each of the blades 524, 528 having atrough-shaped distal portion 532, 535, respectively. A handle portion512 depends downwardly from a proximal end of the lower blade 528 thatpermits the speculum 510 to be hand-held by a user. An articulationmechanism enables the upper and lower blades 524, 528 to be opened inorder to dilate the vagina of a female patient and in which the targetof interest can be viewed through a rear opening 538 of the speculum510. In brief, the illuminator 400 is defined by a compact housing 404having an interior that is sized and configured for receiving aplurality of components.

More specifically and as shown in FIGS. 3(a)-5, these retainedcomponents include a light source 412, which is disposed at a distal endof the housing 404, FIG. 2, a circuit board 416, a portable powersupply, (i.e., at least one battery 420), and an inductive powercharging coil 424. As discussed herein, the components are each retainedwithin the interior of the compact housing 404 of the illuminator 400,which is sealed to prevent the ingress of contaminants and to permitcleaning between uses.

More specifically, the light source 412 can include at least one whiteLED according to the herein described embodiment, or alternatively amultispectral LED can be substituted, such as an Excelitas multicolorLED. The light source 412 is electrically connected to the circuit board416, as is the battery 420 and the inductive power coil 424, the circuitboard 416 having disposed integrated circuits that enable power from thebattery 420 to be transmitted to the light source 412. According to thisspecific embodiment, each of the inductive power coil 424 and battery420 are connected to the circuit board 416, such as through solderedcontacts 417. According to this specific embodiment, the battery 420 isa 120 mAh Lithium-polymer battery, which when assembled is provided in aproximal portion of the illumination housing 404 in direct relation tothe inductive power coil 424, the latter being arranged in an oval woundconfiguration and having at least one loop 425. According to thisspecific embodiment, the power coil 424 is defined by a pair ofoval-shaped loops 425 disposed in a stacked configuration and disposedwithin a compartment 430 adjacent the battery 420. Preferably, ferritebacking is used on a surface of the compartment 430 separating theinductive power coil 424 from the battery 420 and also along the wallsof the compartment 430 and/or laterally about the battery 420. Thisbacking is provided to improve the inductance of the power coil 424, aswell as shield the metals in the contained battery 420 in order toprevent heat that can be generated by resulting electromagnetic eddycurrents during a charging operation.

The circuit board 416 according to this specific embodiment and as moreclearly shown schematically in FIG. 10, includes an internal switch,such as a sealed magnetic reed switch 419, a wireless Power ConsortiumQi-compatible receiver 426, a low-battery detector 428 and a batterycharger 432, as well as an LED driver 436, each described in greaterdetail in a subsequent portion of this description. Use of theestablished Power Consortium Qi standard enables the herein describedilluminator 400 to negotiate power needs in order to wirelessly receiveenergy sufficient to charge the contained battery 420. Preferably and toavoid regulatory issues with radio emissions, backscatter communicationis used, allowing the wireless receiver 426 to observe load changes inthe inductive power coil 424 rather than the illuminator 400 andcharging station 600, FIG. 8(a), emitting any radio signals.Additionally and according to this exemplary embodiment, the circuitboard 416 is defined by a through opening 440 used to retain a plasticsleeve (not shown) and wherein the magnetic reed switch 419 is directlysoldered to the circuit board 416.

Referring to FIG. 5, the illuminator housing 404 can be sealed andmanufactured, for example, with a pair of separate half sections (onlyone of the portions being shown in this view) that can be secured to oneanother using epoxies or by RF or ultrasonic welding wherein the housing404 can be made from a suitable plastic material, such as a polyamide orpolyethylene. In one version, the housing portions can be fabricatedusing a molding process in which the components can be potted orsimilarly fixedly retained within the interior 408 of the illuminatorhousing 404.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 7(a) and 8, the illuminator housing 404 isdefined by a distal portion 406 and a proximal portion 407 in which thedistal portion 406 is optionally retroflexed relative to the proximalportion 407, for structural reasons in terms of assembly to a vaginalspeculum 510, FIG. 8. More specifically and according to thisembodiment, the proximal portion 407 is configured with parallel sidewalls, as well as parallel top and bottom surfaces. The retroflexeddistal portion 406 is configured with side walls defined by an inwardlytapering configuration extending to a distal end with corresponding topand bottom surfaces that are angled relative to the top and bottomsurfaces of the proximal portion 407. As discussed herein, thisparticular shaping according to this embodiment is to permitaccommodation of the illuminator housing 404 within a similarly shapedinterior of an upper blade 524, FIG. 8, of the vaginal speculum 510. Theilluminator 400, however, may be positioned along other portions andsurfaces of the upper blade 524 and lower blade 528, as desired, suchthat the light source 412 provides sufficient illumination of anintended target.

When the illuminator 400 is assembled, the light source 412 outwardlyextends from the distal end of the housing 404. Alternatively, the lightsource 412 may be optionally positioned entirely within the housing 404,and capable of providing illumination through a lens, a window, or thelike, associated with the housing 404. In this embodiment, the majorityof the bottom surface of the illuminator housing 404 is configured witha peripheral edge along the lateral sides of the housing 404 thatextends slightly beyond the periphery of the top surface, with theexception of the proximal end. In addition, the top surface of theilluminator housing 404 is provided with a pair or transverselyextending tabs 448, FIGS. 2,. 9(a), at the proximal end of theilluminator housing 400.

As noted, the light source 412 extends from the distal end of thehousing 404 according to this embodiment with the circuit board 416being disposed in the distal portion 406 of the housing 404 adjacent toand electrically connected to the light source 412. The battery 420 isdisposed within a compartment 426 within the proximal portion 407 of theillumination housing 404, with the inductive power coil 424 as disposedin its compartment 430 in a stacked configuration with the battery 420.As herein defined in this embodiment, the battery 420 is adjacent thebottom surface of the illuminator housing 404 and the inductive coil 424is adjacent the top surface. It is further contemplated that thecomponents within the housing 404 may be arranged in a number of otherconfigurations to facilitate, for example, assembly, heat transfer,sizing, switch activation/deactivation, illuminator performance andcircuit design.

According to this exemplary embodiment and according to FIGS. 2 and 6-8,the portable illuminator 400 is configured for releasable attachment toa vaginal speculum 510. As previously noted, the speculum 510 includesan upper blade 524 and a lower blade 528, the latter blade 528 includinga handle portion 512 extending downwardly from the lower blade 528 thatenables the speculum 510 to be maintained using a single hand of thecaregiver. The speculum 510 can be made from an optically clear plasticmaterial, such as acrylic or other suitable materials, with each of theupper and lower blades 524, 528 including the respective trough shapedblade portion 532, 535. The upper and lower blades 524, 528 of thespeculum 510 are pivotally attached at their proximal end and define therear opening 538 that permits viewing of the target (i.e., the cervix ofa female patient). The spacing between the distal ends of the upper andlower blades 524, 528 can be adjusted by the user to the pivotalattachment and an articulation mechanism that includes a lever portionextending downwardly from the upper blade 524 and a slide member thatupwardly extends from rear side of the handle portion 512, similar tothat previously discussed in regard to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) in which anarcuate engagement portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from theyoke, including a set of engagement teeth sized to receive a tab at theend of the lever portion. Additional details regarding the operation ofthis speculum 510 are provided in previously cross referenced U.S. Pat.No. 8,435,175, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated byreference.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the portable illuminator 400 is releasablyattached to the upper blade 524 of the speculum 510. More specificallyand according to this exemplary embodiment, the inner surface 525 of theupper blade 524 is provided with a set of mounting rails 554 having aspacing defined therebetween that is sized to essentially match that ofthe illuminator housing 404 and enabling a press fit. In this specificembodiment, the mounting rails 554 can be formed along with the upperblade 524 using a molding process. Otherwise, the mounting rails 554 canbe separately attached or machined. The mounting rails 554 are designedto conform to the sides of the illuminator housing 404 and are definedby a parallel portion 558 adjacent the rear opening 538 of the upperblade 424 that conform to the side walls of the proximal portion 407with an adjacent portion 560 of the mounting rails 554 that taperinwardly and have a spacing that conforms to the side walls of thedistal portion 406 of the illuminator housing 404. A distalmost part 562of the mounting rails 554 taper outwardly. Moreover and according tothis specific embodiment, the proximal end of the upper blade 524 isdefined by a raised proximal portion 580 extending to an angled surface584 that further extends to the trough shaped portion 532. The proximaland distal portions 407, 406 of the illuminator housing 404 areconfigured to match the profile of the raised proximal portion 580 andthe angled surface 584, respectively, when fitted in the interior of theupper blade 524 with the light source 412 being positioned at theoutwardly tapered distal part 562 of the mounting rails 554. In thisparticular version, an optional inner protruding pin or peg 570 extendsfrom the inner surface of the upper blade 524 transversely to themounting rails 554, the protruding pin 570 being configured for engagingthe plastic sleeve that is disposed through an intermediate opening 460formed in the illuminator housing 404.

According to this version and to install the illuminator 400, theproximal end of the illuminator 400 is first engaged with the proximalrail portion 558 with the top surface of the illuminator housing 404facing and in contact with the inner surface 525 of the upper blade 524.The illuminator housing 404 is then pivoted to engage the rear tabs 448within a space formed beneath a set of spaced tabs 578, provided at theproximal end of the upper blade 524 as most clearly shown in FIG. 7(b).The illuminator 400 is then fitted between the conforming mounting rails554 wherein the illuminator housing and more specifically the containedplastic sleeve (not shown) is engaged with the protruding pin 570.

The configuration including the extending pin 570 is utilized herein asone means to enable attachment to the upper blade 524 of the speculum510. Alternatively, the mounting rails 554 can be preferably configuredas a track to permit a sliding fit of the illuminator housing 404 asadvanced and withdrawn from the rear opening 538 of the speculum 510 topermit releasable attachment to the upper blade 524. Other suitablemounting arrangements can also be utilized, provided these arrangementspermit releasable and accessible attachment of the illuminator 400 tothe speculum 510. In addition and though the upper blade 524 is selectedherein for purposes of an attachment surface, the illuminator 400 canalternatively be received by the lower blade 528, whether in the troughshaped portion 535 thereof or in the handle portion 512 One example isdepicted in FIG. 12 in which a portable illuminator 720 is defined witha housing 724 having a profile similar to that of the illuminator 230,FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), wherein an upper end of the illuminator housing 724can be axially and releasably inserted into a handle portion 216, FIGS.1(a) and 1(b), and more specifically an enclosed receiving cavity 217,FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), of a vaginal speculum 204, FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b).When inserted within the receiving cavity 217, the light source retainedat the upper end of the illuminator housing 724 is aligned and opticallycoupled with the proximal end of a contained light pipe (not shown) inthe manner described in previously cross-referenced U.S. Pat. No.8,435,175, the light pipe extending from the handle portion 216 to adistal end adjacent the trough-shaped portion of the lower blade 214 toenable light from the coupled illuminator 720 to be properly directedtoward the intended target. In this version and in lieu of chargingcontacts at the bottom of the housing, the portable illuminator 720 isequipped with a circuit board and battery charging circuit, the latterincluding an inductive charging coil wherein a contained battery can becharged following direct placement of the illuminator 720 on a planarcharging pad 740. Other suitable configurations can be utilized.

In order to remove the illuminator 400 from the upper blade 524 of thespeculum 510 in the herein described version, the illuminator housing404 is first dislodged from the protruding pin 570 by access through therear opening 538 of the speculum 510. This disengagement causes theilluminator housing 404 to pivot about the supported rear end thereofand allows the rear end and the tabs 448 of the illuminator housing 404to be slidably removed from the space between the tabs 578 of the upperblade 524 and removed through the rear opening 538 of the speculum 510.

As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), the illuminator 400 can then bepositioned in a charging station 600. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the charging station 600 is defined by a housing 604 thatenables stable placement on a suitable supporting surface, such as atable, the housing 604 including a planar lower base 608. An angledsurface 612 extends upwardly and inwardly from the lower base 608 to atop surface 616. The angled surface 616 is further defined by anelongate receiving slot 622 extending from the top surface 616 of thecharging station 600 toward the lower base 608. The receiving slot 622is sized and configured for retaining and aligning an illuminator 400for charging thereof, as discussed herein. As shown schematically inFIG. 9(a) and contained within the charging station 600 is an oval-woundtransmitting coil 628 (shown in phantom) that resembles the shape of thereceiving induction coil 424 of the illuminator 400 to improve magneticcoupling. The power transmitting coil 628 is mounted to suitablecircuitry (not shown) including a USB port 632 that is configured toprovide power to the station 600, including the power transmitting coil628. According to this embodiment, a mechanical guide in the form of ashoulder 640 is provided at the top of the elongated receiving slot 622that enables the illuminator 400 to be inserted in a proper orientationand position within the charging station 600 to enable wireless chargingof the illuminator 400.

Still referring to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) and according to this embodiment,the illuminator 400 is aligned with the top of the receiving slot 622with the distal end pointing downwardly and the top surface of theilluminator housing 404 facing the slot 622 wherein the top surface ofthe illuminator housing 404 is placed in direct contact with the slot622. The illuminator 400 is then slid downwardly along the receivingslot 622 toward the lower base 608 until the tabs 448 at the proximalend of the illuminator housing 404 engage the shoulder 640, therebyretaining the illuminator 400 and positioning and aligning same in acharging position relative to the contained power transmitting coil 628.The USB port 632 is provided on the exterior of the housing 604 of thecharging station 600 to provide electrical power to the contained powertransmitting coil 628. Charging of the contained battery 420 isautomatically initiated with the ferrite covering protecting thecontained battery 420 in spite of the created magnetic field. An LED orother visual or aural indicator (not shown) located on the housing ofeither the illuminator 400 or the charging station 600 can be connectedto the circuitry and configured to be illuminated when charging of thecontained illuminator battery 420 has been completed.

Referring to FIG. 10, the operational features of the illuminator 400are shown schematically in terms of overall functions. In regard to thecircuit and according to this exemplary embodiment, energization of thecontained light source 412 is controlled by three (3) sources; namely,the magnetic switch 419, the wireless inductive charger 426 and thelow-battery detector 428. More specifically, the contained light source420 is caused to be turned off either: i) when the contained magneticreed switch 419 is exposed to a magnet, ii) during the chargingoperation, or iii) when a depleted charge in the battery 420 isdetermined by the low battery detector 428. An exemplary circuitenabling each of the foregoing functions is shown according to FIG. 11.a1

As to the first source, a sleeve or cover 421, FIG. 5, can be providedthat includes an embedded magnet 422. The sleeve 421 can be sized forplacement over the distal portion 406 of the illuminator 400, and morespecifically the contained magnetic switch 419. According to thisversion and upon placement of the sleeve 421, the contained magneticswitch 419 is caused to close, which produces a short to ground thatcauses the light source 412 to fade out. Alternatively, the internalswitch can be a capacitive, optical or other form of switch that causesenergization through actuation of the switch (i.e., opening or closing)based upon proximity of the illuminator 400 with a user (not shown).According to yet another version, the light source 412 can beautomatically energized based on a contained accelerometer (not shown)that causes an internal switch to respond to motion of the illuminator400.

Regarding the second source and while charging proceeds, the LED driver436 receives a signal from the wireless receiver, that also deenergizesthe contained light source 412. Disengagement of the illuminator 400from the charging station 600 and the power transmitting coil 628terminates this signal and again causes the contained light source 412to be automatically energized, according to this embodiment, unless theilluminator 400 has been covered with the protective sleeve or cover421, FIG. 5, as previously discussed.

Finally, the depletion of battery power is detected by the low batterydetector 428. If the power falls below a specific threshold, a shutdownsignal is transmitted to the LED driver 436 that automaticallydeenergizes the contained light source 420. In each instance, thecorresponding shutdown signal relayed to the LED driver 436 cause thecontained light source 412 of the illuminator 400 to be deenergized. Inaddition and when the contained light source is turned off, the batteryvoltage recovers to a limited degree, which brings the battery voltageabove the specific threshold and could cause the light source 412 tocycle on and off In order to alleviate this technical issue, thedetector 428 has hysteresis, which makes the “falling” threshold muchlower than the “rising” threshold.

As noted, a specific charging circuit is illustrated in FIG. 11 whereinthe wireless receiver 426, low battery detector 428 and the magneticswitch 419 are each interconnected with the LED driver 436 to providethe functionality depicted in accordance with FIG. 10. The chargingstation 600 periodically emits a low-power 126 kHZ signal to detect thepresence of a receiving device, such as the illuminator 400, aspositioned within the receiving slot of the station. This signal isabsorbed by the receiving resonant circuit, which includes the inductive(receiving) coil 424 and is rectified and used by the receiver circuit426. Storing this energy (C9) and using it for computation, the deviceresponds by encoding a signal (C3, C8) into the impedance of thereceiving coil 424. This encoded signal notifies the charging station600 that an intelligent receiver is present (versus any metal section)and reacts by adjusting the power to the requested amount. Thisrequest/adjust pattern regularly repeats for as long as the receiver424/426 is present. Once the receiver circuit 426 has determined thatthe power requirements are satisfied and stable, it drives the jCHGoutput to ground, which causes the LED driver 436 to turn off the lightsource 412. The receiver 426 also produces a regulated 5V, which isconnected to the battery charger 432. The battery charger 432 determinesthe condition of the contained battery 420 and chooses a charging rate(e.g., 120 mA for healthy, or 12 mA for undercharged). The charger 432maintains a 120 mA constant current (set by R4) until the batterycurrent reaches a maximum voltage (e.g., 4.2 volts), after which thecharger 432 adopts its current output to maintain the maximum voltageuntil the battery 420 no longer accepts energy.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the circuit for the low battery detector 428according to this exemplary embodiment includes a fixed resistance 0.6volt comparator (shown as U3). The battery voltage is divided (R7 andR8) by a fixed ratio and compared to the 0.6 bolts such that when thebattery voltage reaches 2.8 volts, the comparator (U3) drives the outputto ground, which causes the LED driver 436 to deenergize the lightsource 412. The LED on/off circuit is a simple field effect transistor(FET, Q1), whose input is on a low-pass filter (R9, C12). Changes to thecharge enable/disable line therefore occur on the FET gate very slowly,causing a fade in/out effect any time the state of the enable/disableline changes. This fade is tuned to take about 1 second according tothis specific version. The LED current is currently regulated only by aresistor (R6, 12 ohms depending on LED selection). Alternatively, the Q1may be replaced with a current regulator for power efficiency andstability internally across various battery charges and LED qualities.

PARTS LIST FOR FIGS. 1-12

-   200 assembly, medical instrument-   204 vaginal speculum-   212 upper blade-   214 lower blade-   216 handle portion-   217 receiving cavity-   220 slide member-   221 rear aperture or opening-   222 external teeth-   223 guide slot-   224 lever portion-   225 curved portion-   226 engagement teeth-   227 extending bottom tab-   228 yoke-   229 lower tongue-   230 illuminator, reusable-   234 housing, illuminator-   238 upper end-   240 lower end-   244 set of electrical charging contacts-   248 external contact switch-   254 spring loaded plunger-   300 assembly, vaginal speculum-   400 illuminator, portable-   404 illuminator housing-   406 distal portion-   407 proximal portion-   408 interior, housing-   412 light source-   416 circuit board-   417 soldered contacts-   419 magnetic reed switch-   420 battery-   421 sleeve-   422 magnet, embedded-   424 inductive power coil-   425 loop, wire-   426 wireless receiver-   428 low battery charge detector-   430 compartment-   432 battery charger-   436 LED driver-   440 opening-   448 tabs-   460 opening-   510 speculum-   512 handle portion-   524 upper blade-   525 inner surface-   528 lower blade-   532 trough shaped portion-   535 trough shaped portion-   538 opening, rear-   554 mounting rails-   558 proximal portion, mounting rails-   560 distal portion, mounting rails-   562 distalmost portion, mounting rails-   570 peg, protruding-   578 tabs-   580 raised proximal portion, upper blade-   584 angled surface, upper blade-   600 charging station-   604 housing-   608 planar lower base-   612 angled surface-   616 top surface-   622 elongate receiving slot-   628 transmitting coil-   632 USB port-   640 shoulder-   720 illuminator-   724 illuminator housing-   740 charging pad

It will be readily apparent that numerous modifications and variationsare possible within the inventive concepts described herein and inaccordance with the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for enabling a medicalexamination, the method comprising: providing a medical device; andproviding an illuminator that is releasably attachable to the medicaldevice, the illuminator comprising a housing containing a light source,a rechargeable battery that powers the light source, and an inductivecharging coil, the inductive charging coil being in stacked arrangementwith the rechargeable battery, the inductive charging coil permittingthe battery of the illuminator to be recharged using a non-contactcharging device, wherein the medical device is a vaginal speculum and inwhich the method further comprises: attaching the illuminator housing toan inner surface of a blade of the vaginal speculum.
 2. The method asrecited in claim 1, including the step of enabling the illuminator withan internal switch that is configured to automatically energize anddeenergize the contained light source.
 3. The method as recited in claim2, wherein the internal switch is one of a magnetic reed switch, anoptical switch, an accelerometer or a capacitive switch.
 4. The methodas recited in claim 2, further including the step of providing a sleevefor retaining the illuminator, the sleeve including a feature that actsupon the internal switch to deenergize the light source and in whichremoval of the illuminator from the sleeve causes the light source to beenergized.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1, including configuringthe blade of the speculum with at least one feature for releasablyretaining the illuminator housing.
 6. The method as recited in claim 5,wherein the at least one releasably retaining feature is a set of spacedmounting rails formed on the inner surface of the blade, the set ofmounting rails being sized and shaped to support the illuminator housingtherebetween.
 7. The method as recited in claim 6, in which theilluminator housing includes a set of tabs sized to engage the set ofmounting rails.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein theilluminator is reusable and in which the housing is sealed to permitcleaning between uses of the illuminator.
 9. The method as recited inclaim 1, including the step of providing ferrite backing between thecontained battery and the inductive charging coil in the stackedarrangement.
 10. A method of manufacturing and assembling an illuminatorfor use in a vaginal speculum, said method comprising: providing anilluminator housing; disposing a light source within the housing;disposing an inductive charging coil within the illuminator housing;coupling the inductive charging coil and the light source to a batterydisposed in the illuminator housing, wherein the illuminator housing issealed and the inductive charging coil permits the battery to be chargedusing a non-contact charging device: disposing the inductive chargingcoil and the battery in a stacked arrangement within the illuminatorhousing; and attaching the illuminator to an inner surface of a blade ofthe vaginal speculum.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising the step of providing an internal switch that is configuredto energize and deenergize the light source.
 12. The method as recitedin claim 11, wherein the internal switch is one of a magnetic switch, anoptical switch, a capacitive switch or an accelerometer.
 13. The methodas recited in claim 11, including the step of providing a sleeve forretaining the illuminator, the retaining sleeve including at least onefeature that engages the internal switch to cause deenergization of thelight source while the illuminator is retained within the sleeve. 14.The method as recited in claim 10, further comprising the step ofproviding at least one feature to enable releasable attachment of theilluminator to the speculum.
 15. The method as recited in claim 10,wherein the inductive charging coil includes a power coil including apair of loops in a stacked configuration.
 16. The method as recited inclaim 15, wherein the battery is disposed adjacent the power coil and inwhich a layer of ferrite is disposed between the power coil and thebattery to shield the battery.
 17. The method as recited in claim 16,wherein the battery is in a stacked configuration relative to the powercoil.
 18. The method as recited in claim 10, in which the inner surfaceof the blade includes at least one feature to enable releasableattachment of the illuminator housing.
 19. The method as recited inclaim 18, in which the at least one feature comprises a pair of spacedmounting rails shaped and sized to receive the illuminator housingtherebetween.
 20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein the step ofattaching the illuminator housing includes engaging a set of tabs on anend of the illuminator housing with the pair of spaced mounting rails.